A Journey Through Horse Racing Culture, Traditions, and Cuisine: A Full Day Itinerary at Tokyo Racecourse

Upon exiting the Keio Line’s Fuchu Keiba Seimon-mae Station, the entrance gate to Tokyo Racecourse is immediately visible.
A dedicated pedestrian bridge connects the station to the venue, and it’s just a two-minute walk to the main gate.
This is Japan’s largest racecourse, hosting prestigious Grade 1 (GI) races such as the Japan Derby, Oaks, Tenno Sho (Autumn), and the renowned Japan Cup, often referred to as the festival of horse racing.

Before heading into the racecourse, stop by Bato Kannon, a small shrine just outside the grounds, to wish for good fortune on race day.
In Buddhism, Bato Kannon is one of the six manifestations of Kannon Bodhisattva and is often associated with horses due to its name ("bato" meaning "horse head").
Because horses are believed to "devour desires" (a concept tied to their voracious appetites), two Bato Kannon statues are located near Tokyo Racecourse.
After offering your prayers for a successful day, head toward the main gate.

After offering your prayers, head toward the main gate.
On the north side of the paddock, you’ll find a Japanese garden where you can enjoy the beauty of lush nature.
Nearby, you’ll also come across the Bato Kannon (a Buddhist deity associated with horses) and the Imperial Monument Commemorating the Visit of the Emperor and Empress. Take a leisurely stroll around this area before the races begin to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.

It’s time to head into the grandstand area.
The Fuji View Stand, which had its grand opening in 2007, commands attention with its grand architectural presence.
Inside, you’ll find one of the largest multi-screen turf visions in the world, offering an immersive race-watching experience. The open-air seating allows visitors to soak in the thrilling atmosphere of the races.
The racecourse also hosts the Japan Cup, which was ranked first in the Longines World’s Best Horse Race Rankings announced by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in 2024.
Being here to witness the races firsthand promises an unforgettable experience.

Before the races begin, it’s time for a quick bite. The racecourse houses an impressive 66 dining options ranging from convenience stores and snack stands to full-service restaurants and fast-food outlets—enough to leave you spoiled for choice.
For this visit, let’s focus on meals tied to the Japanese custom of "katsugimono"—lucky foods believed to bring good fortune or success.
This tradition involves actions or rituals thought to bring about positive outcomes. For example, carrying a 5-yen coin in your wallet to "create connections" (since "go-en" means both 5 yen and fate in Japanese) or eating tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) as a play on the word "katsu", meaning "to win."

First, head to Tokyo Cafe & Bakery on the third floor of the Fuji View Stand to try their Oana Donuts.
In horse racing, "oana" refers to betting on a long shot—an underdog horse that could yield an unexpectedly high payout if it wins.

Next, head to the Restaurant Plaza on the fifth floor of the Fuji View Stand for a proper meal.
At Tonkatsu Musashi, the katsu curry is recommended, while at Ginza Kandagawa, the premium unajū (grilled eel over rice) is a great choice.

After a satisfying meal, it’s time to dive into the excitement of the races.
Start by visiting the Paddock near the main gate, a must-see spot for any horse racing fan.
Here, you can watch the horses up close before each race. Many enthusiasts observe various details such as the horses' body condition, walking style, and level of calmness. Most of all, it’s a rare opportunity to admire these magnificent racehorses up close.

Now, let’s place a bet.
There are ten types of bets you can place: Win, Place, Support Ticket, Bracket Quinella, Quinella, Exacta, Wide, Trifecta, Triple Trio, and WIN5.
The simplest bet for beginners is the Win ticket, where you simply bet on the horse you believe will finish first.
All you need to do is select the racecourse name, race number, and type of bet, then predict the winning horse and enter the amount you wish to wager.
Insert cash (cash only) into the ticket machine, and your betting ticket will be printed.

Once your bet is placed, it’s time to watch the race.
I recommend the paid seats in the Fuji View Stand, where the open-air seating lets you fully immerse yourself in the excitement and cheers of the crowd.

Other great viewing options include the fully glass-enclosed Memorial 60 Stand or the grassy areas, offering diverse perspectives of the races.

Behind the paddock, you can also enjoy seasonal views of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, adding a beautiful backdrop to your day at the races.

On the second and third floors of the Fuji View Stand and the second floor of the Memorial 60 Stand, you’ll find the TURFY SHOP, offering a wide variety of horse racing merchandise.
From souvenirs featuring the JRA’s mascot character TURFY to exclusive racing goods, you’re sure to find a special item that can only be purchased here.

After enjoying the races, head to the JRA Racing Museum located within the Tokyo Racecourse grounds.
The museum covers everything from the birth of horse racing to the spread and development of the sport in Japan.
On the first floor, you’ll find exhibitions like the Horse Learning Museum Hall and the Hall of Fame, along with interactive experiences such as the Live Theater and the "Dress Like a Jockey" corner, where you can put on racing silks and experience what it feels like to be a jockey.
The second floor features exhibits detailing the history and structure of horse racing in Japan, making it both educational and entertaining.

After thoroughly enjoying the races and learning about horses, head to Hotel Continental Fuchu, located just a short walk from Fuchu Station. Opened in 1987, this local hotel has 117 guest rooms.
The hotel features three restaurants: Tohoku Bokujo Buffet Restaurant, Chinese Restaurant Philly, and Restaurant & Bar COLT. These restaurants use organic vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s own farm, Tohoku Bokujo, which practices sustainable farming using compost made from the manure of thoroughbreds raised on the farm to enrich the soil.
This method helps maintain fertile soil, resulting in flavorful and nutrient-rich crops.
The carefully cultivated ingredients are cooked and served with great care in the hotel’s own restaurants.
Particularly popular are the original menus featuring herbal teas made from wild plants, nuts, and desserts crafted from mountain vegetables, all sourced from Tohoku Bokujo.
The rich flavors and aromas of dishes made with seasonal ingredients leave a lasting impression. Savoring fresh seasonal ingredients at their peak offers a dining experience that is both memorable and deeply satisfying.
The restaurants and bars are also open to non-guests, making it worth stopping by for a meal even if you’re not staying overnight.

After satisfying your appetite, conclude your day with a "keiba cocktail" at Restaurant & Bar COLT.
Take your time to savor five cocktails, each named after a legendary racehorse: Special Week, Gold Ship, Daiwa Scarlet, Tokai Teio, and Symboli Rudolf.
Enjoy these beautifully crafted cocktails, each inspired by a legendary racehorse, as you unwind and reflect on your day of horse racing excitement.

After relaxing at the restaurant, head to your room.
The hotel offers six types of rooms to suit solo travelers, families, or groups. Every room is equipped with a luxurious French Bed mattress, providing gentle comfort to ease the fatigue of the day.

Tokyo Racecourse features three distinct racing tracks—turf, dirt, and steeplechase courses—offering a wide variety of races that showcase the diverse culture of Japanese horse racing.
Beyond the races, the venue also hosts gourmet food events and features play areas for children, ensuring everyone has something to enjoy, even if they’re not racing enthusiasts.
You’ll be awestruck by the beauty and power of the racehorses, exhilarated by the races, and enriched by learning about horse racing’s history.
Cap off your day with Keiba Cocktail and farm-to-table dishes made with vegetables grown in thoroughbred-enriched soil.
Why not embark on a full-day journey completely immersed in the excitement and tradition of horse racing?